It seems like there are a hundred blogs per second popping up on just about every topic. But what does it take to write blog posts that attract more people? How do you stand out in an endless sea of blogs?

I’ve also read a lot of writing that is so real and genuine that you can almost see the writer’s personality in the words they write. That’s good writing! Not necessarily because it’s grammatically perfect, but because it’s real.

Don’t use words or phrases you wouldn’t say. Don’t try to impress people. Being genuine is way more important. If you have a blog, it’s probably something you’re passionate about. Use that. Focus on that.

If you are more genuine in your writing, your passion about your subject will shine through and connect with your readers. You will also get more fulfillment knowing that your blog is genuine.

Put Your Blog Writing to the Test

How do you test to see if your blog post or article is your voice? Read it out loud. If it doesn’t sound like you—if it sounds odd—it’s probably not your voice. Ask yourself, “Would I talk to someone this way? Do I use these words when I talk?”

Another way to test your writing it to read it to people who know you well. See what they say. They may pick up on some things that you can’t.

Most all network marketing companies today provide a replicated website for you to sell products or services, and to enroll other people into the business.

This can be a great tool that takes a ton of the responsibility off of you. You don’t have to worry about collecting or processing payments, delivering products or keeping a big inventory. Many websites also come complete with great info and videos that do a lot of the business opportunity presenting for you.

Not quite sure what I mean by “replicated website?” This is the website the company provides its reps to sell products or enroll people in a service. Every rep’s account is tied to their account so that they get the credit or commission.

While these websites can be great for your business, there are a few major problems with the way most network marketers use their replicated website, especially the way they use them online. You might find you’re guilty of a few of these (I certainly used to be).

Replicated Websites are NOT a Billboards or Commercials

It happens all the time. People slap their link on Facebook with something like “Hey, ladies! Who wants 9% Off your order of Smelly McSmell Candles? Order below!” Or “Looking for three money-motivated people who want to make $300 this week. Click below for more info.”

People treat their network marketing website as if it’s a shiny, irresistible billboard or slick commercial that’s going to do all the work for them. While a replicated website can be a great way to introduce people to the business opportunity, it is not the gateway. It’s not meant to be a lead tool. It’s not a business card you pass out to anyone.

Simply firing out your links out to the masses is a sure-fire why to get no results. Another reason this doesn’t work: everyone else does it.

Plus, people typically don’t go to social media to buy stuff. They go to connect with people.

Wait Until People are Ready to Buy or Join

Treat your website link as if it’s the most precious thing in your business. Not just anyone can see it. It’s too cool. Too valuable.

Once someone if ready to buy or join, then give them the link, or even better–place their order or enroll with them. The key here is to use your replicated website as the end result. It’s not meant to generate interest.

Your link is not the lure on your fishing pole. It’s the bucket you put the fish in once they bite your lure.

Create interest FIRST. Focus on the results. If you made enough bonus money to take your family on a vacation, use that. Post pics while on vacation. Focus on the lifestyle. People want that and are drawn to that.

If you have weight loss products, as another example, focus on the results people are getting. You don’t even need to mention the name of the product or company.

People don’t want a weight loss shake. They want to look and feel better. They want to drop four pants/dress sizes. They don’t want more B vitamins in their diet. They want more energy. See the difference?

All these sound great, and you’ve probably said them before about your product, service or opportunity. (Don’t lie! Lying’s the devil.)

I’ve done it, too.

But the truth is, you have to know your target market. If you’re targeting everyone, you’re targeting no one. There are some incredibly powerful and invaluable Google tools to help you find your target market online.

Imagine your dream customer or client. What do they want and need? What do you have that serves that want and need? Maybe it’s a product, a service or just information.

What if I told you that there are online tools that answer all of these questions and reveal even more about the specific market you’re looking for? Oh, and they’re free!

There are three main secret Google tools you need to be aware of in order to attract and land your dream customers and clients. Keep reading for details on each and how to use them and be sure to watch he demo video at the end of this post.

Google Search and Related Searches

This Google tool is the most obvious, but plenty of people overlook how valuable it can be. When you search for something on Google, the search bar begins to auto-populate other suggested searches. These are based on current popular searches around the words you’re typing.

Also, when you do a search for a specific keyword or phrase, scroll down to the bottom of the search results for Google’s “Other Related Searches” list. This also is based off of other popular searches people are typing in that relate to your search.

So, why is this so awesome? Go ahead… I’ll give you like four seconds to think about it.

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RIGHT! Because it gives you great ideas on topics your target market is searching for. Soooo, turn these into content for your blog, videos or audios. Use the specific keywords that pull up in the Google searches, and even sprinkle some of the related search terms in your blog posts.

Your target market is TELLING YOU exactly what they’re searching for! Take a minute to pick up the pieces from your blown mind.

For example, a Google search for “weight loss shakes” has these auto-populated and suggested searches:

Goggle Trends

Google Trends is another free but invaluable tool, and it takes the search results a few steps further. Go to Google.com/trends to enter keyword or phrase searches just like you would in any Google search. Remember, get specific. This tool is incredibly powerful but simple to understand.

I know, the idea of marketing your home business online can seem like a totally different universe. And the idea of exploring a different universe is scary.

Trust me, it’s not.

It can be fun, educational, and ultimately, very profitable. Sure, there are some things you’ll have to learn and practice. You’re going to make some mistakes (we all do it). Then you’re going to learn from those mistakes and get better and better. Right?

As a business owner, you’re probably used to stretching yourself and getting out of your comfort zone (at least, I hope you are!). No matter what type of business you’re in, you absolutely can use the Internet as a powerful tool to grow and land your dream clients and customers.

Growing your home business online and turning leads into paying customers (which is awesome!) is just an extension of what you are already doing. If you’re not marketing your business online, you’re missing out on a steady stream of business. We’re talking about people finding you instead of you always having to go out searching for leads.

Below are my top four need-to-know tips for marketing your home business online. Yes, you can do’em! I believe in you because you’re an entrepreneur like me. If I can do it, you can, too.

Know Your Target Market

Duh!

Yes, this sounds obvious, but so many home business owners somehow forget this Kindergarten-level marketing rule when using the Internet to grow their business. As I said, growing your business online is an extension of what you’re already doing. So, when you’re creating content (blog posts, website pages, videos, audio, etc.) always keep your target market in mind.

What questions are they asking? What problems do they have? Build content around that, answering those questions and solving those problems.

Get into Facebook groups that are in line with your target market and meet people. Pay attention to the questions they ask. Get on message boards where your target market interacts. Attend events. Develop relationships.

Go where they are!

Yes, this part can take some time. You can’t develop solid relationships overnight. You can’t build trust and credibility in just a couple days.

Create Content Your Market Wants (Give Value!)

This was one of my biggest mistakes when I started taking my business online. A lot of the content I created was too salesy. I was trying to go after the sell way too early.

Once you have a good grasp of what your target market wants (the questions they’re asking and the problems they’re having) you can start creating content around that. It’s all about giving value.

This weekend I attended the annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere Presented by Panini in Los Angeles.

This was my seventh Rookie Premiere to attend, covering it for one of my clients. This year’s Rookie Premiere brought together more than 40 of the top NFL rookie quarterbacks, running backs and receivers for a weekend of photo shoots, autograph signing and partnerships. Some top rookies in attendance were Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, Corey Coleman, Laquon Treadwell, Will Fuller and many others. (That’s me above with Derrick Henry.)

The event serves as a kickoff of sorts for several other NFL Player’s Association’s (NFLPA) licensing partners, such as Panini America–now the NFL’s and NFLPA’s sole licensed trading card manufacturer.

The Rookie Premiere has always been a great teacher for me on branding. Few do it better than the NFL. The NFLPA’s sole purpose is to protect the brand and look after the best interest of its member players and former players. During the weekend I paid close attention to three key aspects of branding from some of the best in the world in the pro sports arena, so I definitely wanted to share them with you.

You Have to Own Your Brand

Your brand has to be a reflection of you at your core. It’s what you want the outside world to think and feel about you. I’ve helped companies and individuals develop brand pillars that go to the very core of who they are. Here are a few examples of brand pillars:

Make sure your brand is you. From your logo to your colors to your mission statement, even they way you communicate, they all must fit your brand. When people see a certain aspect of your brand, will they instantly recognize it’s you?

Consistency is Key

You’ll notice in the photos below how Panini America makes their brand and logo visible everywhere, from the drapes on the tables to the backdrops to the football cards they create. It’s unmistakable and easy to spot. The company did several photo shoots, video interviews and live social media broadcasts and updates throughout the weekend. And no matter what platform they were using, you could see their branding.

They even have their social media handles visible on signage and props used for the photo shoots. Special stations were set up so they company could share a little of the players’ personalities with their followers through Facebook Live videos, and funny Instagram videos and pictures.

If you are branding yourself online or considering it, make sure that you are consistent. Be consistent with your colors, logo, your personal photo and messaging. For example, if you use several social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc., use the same photo for each one. This doesn’t mean you can’t change the photo, but if you do, just make sure you update all your social media accounts.

No matter what you’re doing online, make sure that it is in line with your brand. Make sure it’s you. If you personality is to be more casual (like mine), then be more casual. If you’re kind of snarky, then be snarky. If you’re more bold and over-the-top, then be bold. Just be you, and be consistent!

Your Brand is How People Feel About You

I hope you’re still reading, because this is the most important lesson. What is your brand, really? Is it your logo? Is it your mission? Is it your message?

Actually, your brand is none of those things, but it includes all of those things.

Your brand is how people feel about you, your company, product or service. It’s that emotional connection people have with you.

That’s your brand.

The brands I saw in action this weekend were professional, friendly, consistency, partnership, quality and accountability. At least, that’s how I felt covering the event.

You see, your brand something a lot deeper than just a logo, photo or color scheme. A strong brand can take time to build, but it starts with some careful thought about how you want people to feel about you. What do you want them to feel when they read your blog post or see your logo? How do you want your clients or customers to feel about the person they are doing business with?

This might seem a bit daunting and scary, but the truth is, you’re constantly building your brand all the time with people you run into every day. The idea of branding yourself shouldn’t scare you at all. IN fact, you should be very comfortable with it, like a warm blanket or that favorite pair of jeans.

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Do you want to take your home business to the next level? Do you want to learn how to attract and land your dream clients online? Do you want to create streams of qualified leads that find you and want to work with you?

If you answered yes to any of these, we should talk.

The contract economy is growing quickly. Technology has allowed more and more people to work remotely on a contract/1099 basis. The truth is, there are a whole lot of ways to make money from home today. And of you are reading this, you probably found a way that works fro you.

So, no matter if you are a network marketer, freelance writer, photographer or shuttle kids to and from school, I'd love to help you take your business to a higher level and help you grow as a home business owner.

Want some free home business coaching? The stop by my blog where I'm regularly adding fresh home business coaching tips. I blog about generating leads online, how to write like a pro, personal development, online branding, network marketing... heck, I even blog about blogging.

I hope you find it helpful, and please contact me to let me know what questions you have and what topics you'd like to see me write about. I truly do value your feedback.

Online Branding/Blogging

Have you been wanting to build a website or blog but just don’t know where to start? Does it seem like way too big of a task for you to tackle? Have you tried to market your business though social media but it’s just not getting anywhere? Well, here’s a little secret: it’s a whole lot easier than you think.

I’d love to talk to you about creating a professional online presence that generates leads, grows your network and, of course, makes you money! I have created some of the top-ranking websites and blogs in the industries I’ve been involved with, some of which have generated thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars a month in sales.